Soccer
Weston McKennie shares his excitement over how huge it will be for the USA to host the FIFA Club World Cup
FIFA Club World Cup - Every game free on DAZN.com
This month, all eyes will be on the USA as it hosts the newly revamped FIFA Club World Cup.
Just twelve months before America plays a massive role in hosting next summer's World Cup - alongside Canada and Mexico - the tournament will add to the excitement for fans all across the globe but especially those in the States.
Thirty-two of the best teams from around the world will take part in the new format, including Juventus, who boast USA star Weston McKennie in the ranks and who will be returning home for the competition.
Speaking exclusively to DAZN, McKennie is quick to play up the impact the Club World Cup will have on his home country, especially ahead of next summer's World Cup finals.
"I think it’s huge," the 26-year-old said.
"Obviously the US has taken big steps in that sense, bringing players that may be towards the end of their career, but are still very influential players – [Lionel] Messi, [Luis] Suárez, Jordi Alba, [Sergio] Busquets and, at the beginning of time, [David] Beckham and Zlatan [Ibrahimović] and all these guys going over to America, and it’s bringing more popularity to the sport there.
"So, I think obviously for Americans to be able to witness games and not the time difference of having to stay up or wake up early to watch games over here, they can see it right there live and see the players that they support and teams that they support.
"I think it’ll draw more attention as well. And obviously, when the actual (FIFA) World Cup comes around, I think that’ll be very big for the culture or soccer culture in America, because I think what’s missing is maybe the people that don’t understand soccer or football and don’t really search to like go and learn about it or experience it, I think they’ll be able to get what the atmosphere and vibe and everything is.
"Because for me, in America, a lot of sports and sporting events, a lot of the people enjoy those sports, but they go there to have a good time with their friends and everything, but not really like, 'Okay, we’re focused on the game.'
"But I think whenever you have all the whole world coming into that area and then seeing how they treat it and how they are passionate about it, I think will maybe draw a little bit more attention to other people wanting to watch it and feeling like the energy from everyone."
Juventus are in Group G with Manchester City, Wydad AC and Al Ain and begin their tournament against Al Ain in Washington, D.C. on June 18.
Watch all 63 matches of the 2025 Club World Cup live on DAZN. More information and to sign up for a free account here.
